Microsoft Hatred FAQ 5180

That is an item of data which is largely true - it's not totally true, because most people could not care less what operating system is on their computer so long as it is one which causes them no trouble and which doesn't get in the way (uh, fail to MS win there, twice) and which in general is a plus for them rather than a minus (porbably true for MS windows and most of the hoi poloi, not me). But it's not a POINT, at least not the intended conclusion of an argument or subargument, which is what I understand a point to be. The type you score, that is.

If they said that, that would be an actionable statement, because it isn't, if it is a PC clone - PC's have defined standard interfaces, that's the idea and design of a PC. Therefore a PC cannot be designed for an operating system, just as a wall switch cannot be designed for a lampshade. A PC is designed without reference to an operating system, just as a lightswitch is designed withut reference to a particular lampshade.

Will you PLEASE stop these nonsense detours! You know perfectly well that there is no "windows franchise" in the sense that there is a MacDonalds franchise. Shops which sell computers do not have (metaphorical) MS arches over the door. They say "get your compyutas 'ere", not "welcome to the Microsoftiland total experience. Enjoy". And MS in particular has no hardware side (modulo the mouse and matching mat). They tried to rig the market in operating systems for the IBM PC, not get a monopoloy on PC manufacture.

That is not a point, it is an incomplete claim of fact plus a judgment (first half-sentence), and a hypohetical case plus judgment (second half-sentence).

claim 1a) Microsoft's tactic is X (fill in, please) judgment 1b) tactic X is somehow not as bad as (sense?) offering "exclusive wholesale deals" (please define)

hypothesis 2a) Company Z (arbitrary) offers exclusive wholesale deal. judgment 2b) Company Z does no wrong in doing so.

I presume your argument then goes via 1b and 2b to conclude that there is nothing wrong with Microsofts tactic X. The logic is fine - it remains to dispute your claims and judgments.

Tough - that's what salespeople are for (notionally, in a shop you trust).

Peter